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Section 2415 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones—Structural Glazing Systems

2020 FBC - Building, 7^th edition > 24 Glass and Glazing > 2415 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones—Structural Glazing Systems

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2415.1 Scope

This section prescribes requirements for structural glazing systems of buildings or structures regulated by this code.

2415.2.1

Structural glazing, as defined in Section 2414.2, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

2415.2.2

Structural glazing systems used in curtain walls shall also comply with the requirements of Section 2414.

2415.3 Definition

The terms used in this section shall be defined as set forth in Section 202.

2415.4 Standards

Adhesives and sealants used in structural glazing systems shall comply with following standards:

ASTM C794, Test Method for Adhesion-In-Peel of Elastomeric Joint Sealants.

ASTM C920, Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants.

ASTM D412, Test Methods for Rubber Properties in Tension.

ASTM D624, Test Method for Rubber Property—Tear Resistance.

ASTM D2240, Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness. Federal Specifications TT-S-001543A and TT-S-00230C.

ASTM E331, Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors.

ASTM E330, Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors.

2415.5.1 General

Structural glazing systems shall be designed by and bear the seal of a Florida-registered professional engineer.

2415.5.2.1 Identification

All materials shall be clearly identified as to manufacturer and manufacturer's product number.

2415.5.2.2 Adhesives and Sealants

2415.5.2.2.1

Only approved silicone elastomer adhesives and sealants shall be used for fastening glass lights and other panels to curtain wall framing.

2415.5.2.2.2

Such adhesives and sealants shall be of a polymer that is 100-percent silicone.

2415.5.2.2.3

Adhesives and sealants shall have been tested in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 2415.4.

2415.5.3 Manufacturer'S Testing, Recommendation and Approval

Compatibility of all components and fabrication procedures of structural glazing systems shall be tested, approved and recommended in writing by the manufacturer of the adhesive; the manufacturer of the coating; whether it is anodized, baked or otherwise applied and the manufacturer of the glass panel.

2415.5.3.2

Manufacturer's testing, recommendation and approval shall address, but shall not be limited in scope by the following sections.

2415.5.3.2.1

The compatibility of the sealant with metal, glazing materials, shims, spacers, setting blocks, backer rods, gaskets and other materials.

2415.5.3.2.2

Adhesion to the designated substrates and adhesion of the substrates to the base metal.

2415.5.3.2.3

The design and structural capability of silicone joints and cross sections.

2415.5.4 Structural Requirements

2415.5.4.1 Design of Structural Seals

2415.5.4.1.1

The design stress of the structural silicone shall not exceed 20 psi (138 kPa) for materials having a minimum strength of 100 psi (690 kPa) at the weakest element in the line of stress.

2415.5.4.1.2

Such design stress shall also provide for a safety factor of not less than 5.0.

2415.5.4.1.3

Safety factors greater than 5.0 shall be specified by the engineer when required or recommended by the manufacturer.

2415.5.4.1.4

The silicone structural seal shall have a maximum modulus of elasticity to allow no more than 25-percent movement of the joint width at 20 psi (138 kPa) stress.

2415.5.4.1.5

In insulating glass units, the secondary silicone seal shall be designed to withstand a minimum of one-half the design negative wind load applicable to the outboard lights.

2415.5.4.2 Bonding Limits

Structural glazing shall be limited to adhesive bonding on one side or on two opposing sides of an infill glass lights or panel.

Exception: Three- or four-side bonding shall be permitted only when structural glazing units are shop fabricated and shop glazed.

2415.5.4.3 Job-Site Reglazing

2415.5.4.3.1

Job-site replacement reglazing shall be permitted only when performed following a procedure approved in writing by the applicable structural silicone manufacturer.

2415.5.4.3.2

Replacement shall be performed only by individuals or firms approved or certified by the silicone manufacturer.

2415.6 Fire Protection

Reserved.

2415.7 Inspections, Testing and Recertification

2415.7.1

A minimum of 1 percent of the structurally glazed panels shall be tested for load carrying capacity and sealant adhesion in accordance with Chapter 16 (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones) and ASTM E330.

2415.7.2

Structural glazed panels shall be inspected by a Florida-registered architect or professional engineer for conformance with the approved design and installation procedures determined by the authority having jurisdiction prior to the erection of such panels and after the seal curing period established by the silicone manufacturer.

2415.7.3

It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to verify the adhesion of the cured sealant periodically throughout the application to assure compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and quality of application.

2415.7.4

Structural glazing systems on threshold buildings shall be recertified by the owner as specified by the authority having jurisdiction at six month intervals for the first year after installation. Subsequently, such systems shall be recertified every five years at regular intervals.